2009 Donruss Elite

[Taliasen]

2009 Donruss Elite NBA

Panini Sell Sheet:
http://www.donruss.com/pis/preview.c...uration_id=426

Product Description:
Release Date: Nov 25, 2009
Pack SRP: $6.00
Master Configuration: 5 cards, 20 packs, 12 boxes
Direct Configuration: 5 cards, 20 packs, 6 boxes

PER BOX ITEMS
4 Autograph/Memorabilia
2 Parallels
2 Retired
1 In The Zone
1 Prime Targets
1 Passing the Torch
1 Clutch Performers
1 Elite Series
1 ARCeologists
1 Teamwork Combos
9 Others

The standard sized cards show a color action shot of the player superimposed over silver, black, and white foil background. The bordered edges frame the players well and the players seem to come through breaking glass. Could this be a very cleaver play on a backboard breaking? The set logo, player and Team names, player position and jersey number are also on depicted on the card fronts. The card backs feature a cropped black and white headshot of the same photo on front. The same borders as on the card fronts frame brief biographical information, career statistic only and moderate career highlights. The card backs are trimmed in the team's primary color. The team logo is also pictured on the non-glossy card backs.

What I pulled:
92 Unique cards
78/120 base set cards with zero duplicates
1 Auto, 2 GU, 1 Auto redemption
2 "Stratus" die-cut, #'ed Parallels
2 #'ed Retired players
1 In The Zone
3 Prime Targets
1 Passing the Torch
3 Clutch Performers
3 Elite Series
2 ARCeologists
3 Teamwork Combos

Base card front and back:


#ed inserts I pulled:
Retired Clyde Drexler and Karl Malone #/499
Prime Targets Red Chris Bosh #/249
Teamwork Combos Red Bucks (Redd/Bogut) #/249
ARCeologists Red Roger Mason #/249
Clutch Performers Red Brandon Roy #/249
Stratus Die-Cut Parallels:
Kevin Garnet #/95, Jerry West #/56
Elite Series Red Kevin Martin #/249


The Hits:
ARCeologists GU Jason Kidd #/299
Clutch Performers Dwayne Wade GU #/199
RC Auto Gerald Henderson #/199
Redemption RC Auto Wayne Ellington #/499


************************************************** *******

Panini delivers again with a great basketball rip! The cards are very easy to sort as the cards are in alphabetical order by City Team name. (Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago etc.) The collation was perfect with 65% of the base set and no dupes. There are tons of insert sets! All of the inserts have regular non-numbered issues and serial numbered parallels versions. The single color swatches are just that but the card designs themselves are creative and look good. The sticker auto does fit the card well and is framed and does not take away from the player photo. A bonus for the sticker auto Henderson did inscribe his jersey number. The glossy fronts can take finger prints and smudges easy and are prone to dings and chipping. Although these do not have the familiar "chrome curl" I would call these a condition sensitive set and a few cards came out of teh pack damages including a dinged corner on the Wade GU.

The Bottom Line:
A solid rip! It will be very easy to complete the base set with just two boxes. There is lots of variety for several different types of collectors. Lots of different insert sets and parallels of those sets, there is plenty to chase. I especially like the #'ed retired star cards and the die-cuts are clean and net looking. All of the hits and stated odds were right on though none of them was a spectacular hit. This does appear to be another set with a few pack-out redemptions, but the look and design of the base cards and inserts make this a very attractive set!

The Final Score:
Final Ratings (Out of 5):
Base set collectability: 4/5
Big-hit Hunter: 3/5
Prospector Hunter:3/5
Overall Design: 4/5
Fun: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Re-buy: 4/5
Overall Quality: 4/5

Overall: 31/40 (77.5% = C)

Tal

[mburrows21]

Nice break! I love the look of these cards. Anything you could use for the Wade?

[spencehouse]

Nice break. Sweet Henderson. I could really use that KG for my PC. Pllease CMB and/or lmk a price. Thanks.

[garnett_21]

Very nice break! I could also use the KG, so if you don't work a deal out with spencehouse, please PM me. Thanks!

[Taliasen]

Nice break! I love the look of these cards. Anything you could use for the Wade?

I collect:
Rickey Henderson
Sean Casey
Chinese players - WBC Chinese National team Yao Ming etc.
YSL cards
Negro league players

Tal

[Taliasen]

Nice break. Sweet Henderson. I could really use that KG for my PC. Pllease CMB and/or lmk a price. Thanks.

PM sent.

Tal

[mburrows21]

I collect:
Rickey Henderson
Sean Casey
Chinese players - WBC Chinese National team Yao Ming etc.
YSL cards
Negro league players

Tal

All I have is some base of Henderson and Ming.